Modelling Mechanical Properties of Topical Films Containing Ganoderma applanatum using the Design of Experiments

Abstract

With the guidance of Design-Expert^® software version 11, the mechanical properties of topical films containing Ganoderma applanatum (G. applanatum) extracts were investigated. While ethyl cellulose (EC), G. applanatum extracts, and triethyl citrate (TEC) were independent factors, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation at break, and folding endurance were dependent variables. The best relationships between UTS, elongation at break, and folding endurance could be predicted more accurately using quadratic, 2FI, and linear models, respectively. The ratio of EC, G. applanatum extracts, and TEC was predicted by the Design of Experiments (DoE) to be 2.6: 2.8: 2.8. The model’s suitability for predicting outcomes inside the design space without necessitating extra trials was established by proving that the ratio’s value of prediction was more than 4. The experimental values of UTS, elongation at break, and folding endurance were 82.15±7.42 MPa, 87.40±15.56 %, and 79±6 folds, respectively. The percent errors of prediction were 12.27, 15.49, and 11.82 %, respectively. The Design-Expert^® software’s DoE effectively demonstrated a low percent error of the prediction of less than 20 %. This was suitable and acceptable for developing film formulation in drug delivery systems.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The formulations of topical films containing applanatum extract were optimized, and they were improved
• EC and TEC were used as polymer matrix and plasticizer, respectively
• The best relationships between UTS, elongation at break, and folding endurance could be predicted more accurately using quadratic, 2FI, and linear models, respectively
• UTS, elongation at break, and folding endurance experimental values were 82.15±7.42 MPa, 87.40±15.56 %, and 79±6 folds
• Less than 20 % was effectively proven which was enough and acceptable

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT